After having a loopy week at work, full of disgruntled customers and running out of items for sandwiches, Saturday was more than welcomed. However, this wouldn't be just a normal Saturday event, this was Soundwave Saturday, or if you don't know what that means...just a huge music festival.
Now, live musical events havn't been a repertoire in my life, but I do enjoy music and love watching it live, so when I found out about this festival with 6 bands I play consistently on my Ipod, I had to pay the 130 dollars and go. It was definitely money well spent.
The doors opened at 11:30, I was there as the first people were scurrying in. It was similar to a sporting event as the hundreds of people filled the grounds. I walked around sipping in every musical drop like a fine wine.
With 30 bands playing on six different stages, you have to plan you time well to ensure you get to see your favorite bands. I highlighted the list of bands, and planned it all down to military standards...or...something close to.
The first band on the days list was called Goldfinger. I remember them from back in my junior high days as being a band with a little spunk. Well having not performed live for five years...these guys kicked the day off with a bang. The lead singer surfed the crowd, got us to all run at each other like Braveheart and then sprayed us with water.
I was pumped.
Next I met up with some friends who were attending the event and we watched Silverstein, dillinger escape plan and some others. Just so you know, most of the bands playing at this festival were rock, punk, rock and punk, metal, rock and metal, metal and punk...aaaaand...I think that's it. Pretty good categories if you ask me :D
Soon there was a slight rest between bands, so me and my buddies headed off to the nearest beer gardens to indulge in some cool refreshments. Unfortunately...eight dollars for a small beer was something I wasn't prepared for...looks like I'll have...um...one.
Gradually during the day, more and more people kept filling into the grounds. When it got time fo more of the famous bands, it was full on craziness. This was the perfect time to get into the middle of the crowd and juuuust see what happens.
Me and my two friends think it'd be good and safe right in the middle...turns out...it was complete chaos. Especially when the bloodhound gang started playing some of their hit songs. I literally turned into a human pinball, bouncing around all the bodies that surrounded me...crashing, sweating, getting my shirt ripped and my eye gouged. I think I also got kicked in the head at one point.
After seeing all the people crowd surfing, one of my friends thought it'd be a good idea to do the same. It started out awesome for him, lifted up over the sea of people, but then....he's falling...Nooooo...but luckily he didn't slam face first into the ground below as a few were able to catch him and push him to the front.
After a memorable performance by the bloodhound gang, who haven't toured since 2005/06, it was on to an up and coming Canadian band called Billy Talent. Again, I decided to get right into the middle of the party...again becoming a workout on my body as people and limbs were flying all over the place out of control. I loved every minute, however, soon started feeling extremely tired. So I squished my way through the barrage of people and collapsed on the grass. My whole body feeling like it was part of a day of athletic activities. My shirt and hair drenched from sweat.
As I lay there, listening to Billy Talent smashing out tunes in the background, my heart beat starting to slow and finally collecting my breath...I realized what a euphoric feeling I just had.
Soon, darkness began to blanket its self over the grounds...the light shows commenced with fast, sharp bursts and the music continued to pour on into the night. This time I moved up into the grandstands and had a panoramic view of what lay beneath. Rows and rows of people, enormous stages, and sky scrapers laying against the horizon in the back.
With four bands left to play, I picked up my zombie like body and continued to dance away the night. Falling in love with two other bands that I haven't heard before. Nine Inch Nails and Alkaline Trio.
It was a day to be remembered. Stunning music, girls and everything in between. I guess things do always work out for the better, as it was just random luck that I found out about this festival and decided to take a chance.
Once I got home, I collapsed on my bed and fell asleep. I guess music can have a physical and emotional effect on you.
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